Bad teeth can ruin an attractive smile. Good oral health and hygiene is the essential ingredient for a great set of “pearly whites”.
In simple terms, oral hygiene is the process of keeping the mouth's soft and hard tissues (i.e. the gums and teeth) clean. By keeping your mouth clean and healthy, it will reduce the two major causes of tooth loss: tooth decay and gum disease.
Prevention is the key to maintaining good oral hygiene. The more vigilant you are with regards to prevention, the longer you will have your teeth and reduce the amount of painful and expensive dental treatments. The role of dentists and health professionals is to encourage preventive dentistry in order to avoid destructive treatments like fillings.
What is tooth decay?
Tooth decay is when the structure of the tooth breaks down due to the acid attack of bacteria. Acid attacks are caused by plaque formation from foodstuff and bacteria, which collect on the tooth surface, dissolving the tooth and resulting in dental decay. This decay can extend further into the tooth causing pain and exposure of the tooth nerve. This may require a filling or extraction.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is detrimental to your oral health. Generally speaking, gum disease may be divided into two types: gingival disease (also known as gingivitis) and periodontal disease.
Gingivitis is basically inflammation of the gums. The gums surrounding your teeth become sore, swollen and red. You may notice your teeth become painful or even bleed upon brushing. In contrast, periodontal disease affects the bone and soft tissue of the jaw where your teeth take root. These tissues form the supporting structures for teeth. As it gets worse, the bone around the tooth is lost. If left untreated, this will eventually result in the loss of that tooth. It is possible that gingivitis can progress to periodontal problems. However, periodontal disease may also present without signs of gingivitis.
Gum disease is the most common cause of adult tooth loss and bad breath (halitosis), but this condition can easily be controlled and managed.
What can you do to prevent tooth decay and gum disease?
Oral hygiene is the most important step in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. You just need to the follow three simple steps:
1) Brush your teeth! Tooth brushing is the most important way to keep your mouth healthy. Brush all tooth surfaces twice a day (once when you wake up and once before going to sleep) to help reduce plaque levels (thereby preventing tooth decay) and keep gums healthy.
2) Floss regularly. Flossing is a vital tool in stopping tooth decay between your teeth. This should be done once a day in addition to brushing. You will be amazed at how much extra foodstuff can be removed using floss. The best way is to wrap the floss around two fingers and push it between your teeth. Next, pull it down the side of the tooth's surface. Repeat this in all places where the teeth are in contact with each other. No sawing action should be used, as this will injure the gums.
3) Lead a healthy lifestyle. There are other ways you can take care of your teeth, which include the use of mouthwashes, tongue cleaning, smoking cessation and a balanced diet.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is easy, and it is crucial to a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile. All you need to do is dedicate several minutes a day to the care and maintenance of you gums and teeth. Please follow the above guidelines for brushing and flossing, and remember to always consult your dentist or doctor with any concerns.
